BOSTON, MA - APRIL 23: Payton Tolle #70 of the Boston Red Sox celebrates during the game against the New York Yankees at Fenway Park on April 23, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Sometimes the universe — and especially the baseball universe — just lines things up in beautiful, unexpected ways. Today, Payton Tolle is starting on Mother’s Day because the most powerful mother of all — Mother Nature — decided the Red Sox and Rays weren’t going to play their game yesterday when Tolle was originally schedule to pitch.
As far as the baseball goes, this is a chance to back up his seven shutout innings last time out against the Tigers on Monday. If he does something spectacular again, it will also be on top of Connelly Early’s seven shutout innings on Friday, and given the Red Sox still haven’t seen the Garrett Crochet, Sonny Gray and Ranger Suarez part of the rotation click together yet, we actually may be on the verge of unlocking an incredibly special rotation over the summer months if those guys get healthy and Early and Tolle keep growing into rotation regulars.
On the flip side of the “is it real?” starting pitching questions, the Rays are sending 35-year-old Nick Martinez to the mound. For most of his career, Martinez has been the very definition of mediocrity, bouncing back and forth between bullpen and starting rolls as well as MLB roles and time in the Japanese League. However, even since putting on a Rays uniform this year he’s been borderline unhittable, allowing two runs or fewer in all seven of his starts this season. He now leads the team with the best record in the American League in WAR.
Lineup wise, it’s mostly what we’ve been seeing since Roman Anthony went on the IL, but with one key change. Mickey Gasper, the guy who replaced Anthony on the roster gets the start at catcher.
I actually really like using Gasper here. With the rainout yesterday and the off day tomorrow, it’s the rare opportunity to give both Narvaez and Wong three straight days off by sitting them for just one game. (And it can really be four days off if you start Wong on Tuesday since Narvaez started on Friday.) That stuff matters in the marathon.
One of the Chicago Blackhawks' top objectives this off-season should be to improve their forward group. It isn't a secret that they need to improve their top six. Due to this, the Blackhawks have now been labeled as a potential fit for one of the NHL's most fascinating young forwards.
In a recent article for Bleacher Report, Lucky Ngamwajasat named the Blackhawks among the top potential trade destinations for Philadelphia Flyers winger Matvei Michkov.
"It's been hard sledding for Bedard in Chicago, as the 'Hawks have yet to make the playoffs in his short tenure in the Windy City. A lack of talent has been one of the biggest culprits for this and a trade for Michkov would instantly give Chicago's franchise player a dazzling linemate," Ngamwajasat wrote.
The idea of the Blackhawks bringing in Michkov is an intriguing one. While the 21-year-old forward had a tough 2025-26 season with the Flyers, there is no question that he has a ton of skill and potential. He also recorded 26 goals and 63 points in 80 games with the Flyers as a rookie, so he has already shown that he can be an impactful offensive contributor early in his career.
Michkov did see his numbers drop a bit this season, though, as he finished the 2025-26 season with 20 goals and 51 points in 81 games. He also had zero goals and one assist during the Flyers' playoff run and was scratched in Philadelphia's Game 4 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes.
Yet, when noting that Michkov is still so young and has already put up strong offensive numbers in the NHL, it is hard to bet against him bouncing back. With this, he would have the potential to be a strong pickup for the Blackhawks if acquired.
However, at the same time, the Blackhawks also have several promising forward prospects in their system who have the potential to be special. Thus, there is certainly an argument to be had that the Blackhawks should focus on their current youngsters rather than bring in a player who took a step back in his second season, like Michkov.
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - MAY 06: Julian Champagnie #30 and Stephon Castle #5 of the San Antonio Spurs react during the third quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game Two of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Frost Bank Center on May 06, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Here’s the fourth installment of the second round’s Fraterniz With The Enemy, my ongoing, series-long conversation with Thilo of PtR’s sister site covering the Minnesota Timberwolves, Canis Hoopus.
J.R. Wilco
In the middle of a series that feels like a movie from a director intent on subverting expectations above all else, Game 3 was a weird game. (We’ll get to it in a moment, but it was weird.) First, San Antonio was favored heavily, and it’s a true-ism that a series doesn’t begin until the road team wins. So we got a tight game that the visitors won, and so the series began right away. Expectations subverted.
After Minnesota’s victory Coach Finch gripes about a lack of goaltending calls, setting up Game 2 to focus on how the refs treat Wemby’s defensive game, only for it to be a practical non-issue as Minnesota largely stopped driving. After a close opener, Game 2 was a blowout. Expectations subverted.
To start Game 3, the Spurs dominated the opening half of the first quarter and Minnesota couldn’t score at all. Wembanyama was playing out of his mind and dominating on both ends, which looked like the game they played two prior; let’s saddle up for another blowout. But San Antonio couldn’t build much of a lead because the Spurs couldn’t hit a three and all of their shots in the paint were rimming out. So, instead of getting a repeat of Game 2, we got a repeat of Game 1. Expectations subverted!
After going 0-fer, and 2-fer from deep, Victor goes off and combines his excellent defense with an offensive master class. Now San Antonio is up 2-1, and Minnesota is known for being an incredible team when their backs are against the wall. So what are the next expectations that we will see subverted? And what do you expect from Minnesota looking at potentially their last home game of the season?
Thilo
To start with, I would certainly be shocked if Jaden McDaniels started hitting his shots again. That would subvert the cratered expectations I have for him now.
On an individual level, the bar has recently gone through the floor for Julius Randle and McDaniels, while Ayo gets the most marginal amount of slack due to his injury status.
But God, I don’t know. On a surface level, the Wolves seem to have lost their identity entirely. They aren’t getting to the rim the way they had initially promised in Game 1. They’re talking a lot less trash (unless Tony Brothers is the target) and they’re backing up even less.
A subversion could be anything from shooting better to rebounding again. Any of that would be shocking.
If I sound pessimistic, it’s because I am. Friday night’s game was not one to inspire confidence. Naz Reid was the only role player on the Wolves that played up to standards. Anthony Edwards did what he could.
I am quite simply shocked that the Wolves were able to stay in Game 3 the way they played. It seems like shooting variance decides whether these games will be close or an abject demolition in favor of San Antonio.
Unfortunately, what I’m getting at is that I’m not really sure what I expect to change that’s remotely realistic.
Julius Randle could become the optimized version of himself from last year’s playoffs, but that would require him not facing the style of defense that has caused him the most trouble in the past few playoff runs. So that looks unlikely.
The Wolves roster could have a hot game from deep, but their shooting specialist and the only guy outside of Ant that can’t be dared to shoot is out for the year and more. That looks unlikely, albeit more possible.
That leaves the possibility of Ant going supernova, but that’s a LOT to ask of a guy playing on a lower body that reminds friends older than myself of Orlando Magic Grant Hill.
No, I think the winning formula was stealing a game and then pressing the pedal all the way down. The Wolves accomplished step one, but don’t look poised to reclaim that needed head start.
That being said, anything but a decisive win in Game 4 would be a huge red flag.
I guess I’ll flip the question on you. It feels like the Spurs have turned a corner after a shaky Game 1. What scares you the most in terms of ways the Wolves can muscle their way back into this bout? How possible/probably do you think those things are?
J.R.
While it makes sense given being down 2-1, I think you’re being overly harsh on your team’s prospects. Try thinking about it from this perspective: Minnesota has played San Antonio close for 8 quarters out of 12, including a decisive fourth quarter on the road. The Spurs played their best game in their second homer, so perhaps the Wolves will do the same. We talked before Game 3 about how some regression to the mean would be in favor of Wemby and Fox, and now that’s the case for McDaniels and Randle.
I’d also like to draw your attention to something that you might be taking for granted. Your home crowd is amazing; in fact, I credit them for keeping the Timberwolves from cratering in the first. With San Antonio in the middle of throwing basketball’s version of a shutout (how better to describe yielding a single point over the first 6 minutes of a game) the Mill City audience was primed for something to cheer for. When Gobert got that first basket with a tip-in, there was this sustained response from the crowd that was way out of proportion. I noted it, but didn’t think it would go far as the Spurs scored a quick four points on a Vassell bucket and a pair of Castle freebies. But then Naz hit a three and there was that strange cheer again. It was longer that normal and had the feel of a crowd that had been rooting for a team that had been working their way back from a big deficit and was about to tie it up. But the Wolves were just starting to claw their way back into it.
I’ve got to say, though, that the team really responded. The home team’s activity picked up, their urgency ratcheted up a couple of notches, and thought that if the Spurs could score, it would take the air out of the arena and both the team and the crowd might cave. What happened on the next possession? Timberwolves forced a shot clock violation and the crowd came unhinged. The rest of the quarter was a 17-4 run from the home team on the back of the energy that the fans decided to give before there was really much to cheer for.
But none of that is really what scares me the most. It’s scary, but the truly terrifying bit is what all of that might enable – a tight game down the stretch with enough scoring and defense to put the ball in Edwards’s hands with just enough time on the clock to rip the hearts out of the Spurs. He’s done it three times already this year: twice in the regular season, and once in Game 1. Plus, he did it at the end of the 1st on Friday, and McDaniels closed out the 2nd in the same way.
So that’s what I’m most afraid of. Your team sticks around, and Ant pulls a rabbit out of his hat again. It wouldn’t subvert expectations much, but it sure would even up the series.
Which of those options do you think is more likely? A wire to wire dogfight like Games 1 and 3 or a blowout like Game 2? Or maybe it’s something else entirely…
Thilo
It’s funny isn’t it? That you’re the one convincing me to have hope in my team, while I wallow in the self-pity of refusing to have my heart broken again.
What you’re describing, ultimately, is a Wild-Westian gamble where the Wolves maneuver themselves, bet by bet, flop by flop, to an even game before letting Ant go all in on the final hand of the game. How fitting it is to be facing the Spurs in that regard.
To that end, what I am truly hoping for is a Game 4 victory that shatters the record for largest playoff win in NBA history in favor of the Timberwolves. I do unironically think Minnesota evens up the series tonight, as the second game at home is always the easier one to hold on to and dominate (vis a vis Game 2).
I think I will stand by some of my pessimism however. There is no escaping that the Spurs are an excellent team, and while the Wolves are quite good as well, they are neither at full strength nor particularly locked in right now.
I think that one of those things can change on a dime. I’d say that would enable pulling away in a close game. I think that’s what we’ll see in Game 4.
Still, if I think back to the first frat we did, I remember the focus we put on “well, the Spurs can’t just ‘play better,’ there’s always give and take.” It feels like the Spurs have had to give up very little to gain a ton. Minnesota probably needs to flip that script.
Give up nothing, and take back momentum.
Winning two on the road is going to be a lot harder than just winning one. Losing two at home should be a lot harder than just losing one.
We’ll see tonight, and I hope we get a good one, because despite the loss, Game 3 was a lot more fun than Game 2.
The Toledo Mud Hens put up a baker’s dozen to beat the Memphis Redbirds on Saturday and take control of the series.
Toledo led from start to finish, scoring in the first inning and pulling away by the second. Max Clark scored the first run of the game, coming home on a Gage Workman sacrifice fly. Workman drove in Clark again in the second, but it shouldn’t have gone that way. Clark nearly had a grand slam, but a fan interfered and kept the ball in play. The umpires convened and ruled it a ground-rule double.
Clark’s double drove in two of the Mud Hens’ five second-inning runs. Jace Jung homered on the first pitch, and the broadcast almost missed it. Workman’s two-run single made it 6-0.
Troy Watson got the start for Toledo. He was great for three innings, working around a pair of leadoff walks, but things got hairy in the fourth. Memphis opened the frame with a double, single and triple, plating a pair of runs. Watson got two outs, but that was the end of the day for him — at 69 pitches; nice. He was responsible for the third run in the inning, but it went unearned thanks to a throwing error from Andrew Navigato at third.
The Redbirds pulled within a run in the fifth on a Jimmy Crooks homer. Konnor Pilkington hit a batter later in the inning, but he got out of it with his third and final strikeout of the day.
Toledo answered immediately to reestablish its lead. Tyler Gentry (bloop) singled in Eduardo Valencia, Navigato drove in Jung on a groundout, and Cal Stevenseon drove in Gentry on a liner to left. Just like that, the Mud Hens are back on top, 9-5.
Scott Effross took over for Pilkington after that, working around four hits over two innings for a hold. Memphis scored on him in the sixth, but it was another unearned run thanks to catcher’s interference, allowing the runner to reach.
Workman doubled in Clark for a third time in the bottom of the sixth, with a double, but Paul DeJong got thrown out at home.
Gage Workman doubles to right center to score Max Clark, but Paul DeJong gets thrown out at home. pic.twitter.com/Kg1meorasM
The Erie SeaWolves pushed for their 10th-straight win on Saturday, but the Harrisburg Senators walked them off, 6-5, in the bottom of the ninth to end the streak.
Erie took an early lead, scoring two runs in the first off an Andrew Jenkins single. Jenkins drove in Brett Callahan and Peyton Graham. Callahan and Jenkins each had three-hit days, accounting for the bulk of Erie’s 11 hits on the day. Graham also reached base three times. He walked twice and then was hit by a pitch in the head, forcing him to leave the game.
Andrew Jenkins gives Erie the early lead with 2-out, 2-run single to left center. pic.twitter.com/zXQ0amZhtf
Kenny Serwa got the start for the SeaWolves. He struck out three of the first four batters he faced, but things deteriorated after that. An error extended the second inning for him, leading to a single but no runs. The third is when things really went wrong. He got the first two outs of the inning and then went double, RBI single, walk, walk, two-run single.
It’s just one bad inning, but teams seem to figure out Serwa after a couple of innings these days. His 8.51 ERA on the year is pretty ugly. Fortunately, Erie scored a third run in the top of the inning. E.J. Exposito walked with the bases loaded.
The SeaWolves loaded the bases with one out in the fourth but couldn’t make anything happen. Serwa returned for the bottom of the fourth, but he was pulled after recording two outs around a single. Dariel Fregio took over and pitched through the fifth. A pair of singles in that frame put Harrisburg on top, 4-3.
Erie responded by tying the game up in the sixth. John Peck drove in Callahan, who reached on a base hit with two outs. The see-saw continued back and forth in the bottom half of the inning, as Johan Simon took over for Fregio and gave up an RBI triple.
John Peck smokes a grounder to right field that scores Brett Callahan (1B, SB) and ties the game for Erie. pic.twitter.com/5y25aQ5OkP
Things kind of settled down from there. Simon got through the seventh and Tanner Kohlhepp did the same in the eighth, despite both dealing with a pair of baserunners.
The lone extra-base hit of the day for Erie came in the ninth, when Justice Bigbie doubled and set up a game-tying RBI single from Jenkins. Kohlhepp couldn’t force extra innings, though. Cortland Lawson took him deep with one out to end the game.
Andrew Jenkins shoots a single to right and Justice Bigbie scores from 2nd to tied the game for Erie in the 9th. pic.twitter.com/W3KSDAogsY
West Michigan extended its losing streak to 13 games with a 5-3 loss to the Dayton Dragons on Saturday.
The Whitecaps have gotten close to snapping this streak, but something always seems to go wrong. This time it was a two-run ninth inning from the Dragons to break a 3-3 tie that held since the sixth.
West Michigan did all of its scoring early. Samuel Gil drove in Cristian Santana on a sacrifice fly in the second, and Bryce Rainer and Santana each had RBI doubles in the third. Dayton scored twice in the first off starter Max Alba, both runs coming on RBI singles. Alba only went three innings and struck out five with just one hit allowed after the first.
The Whitecaps held that 3-2 lead until the sixth. Luke Stofel pitched the fourth and fifth, giving up just one hit and a walk. Inohan Paniagua wasn’t as good in the sixth, blowing the save on the third pitch he threw. Yerlin Confidan took him deep to tie the game. Paniagua was fine after that, working around two walks and lasting through the seventh.
The only West Michigan hit after the third came in the seventh when Ricardo Hurtado singled with two outs. Dayton walked six batters, including three free passes in the eighth to load the bases, but the Whitecaps never took advantage.
Logan Berrier faced the minimum in the eighth to hold the 3-3 tie, but Thomas Bruss couldn’t do the same in the ninth. He gave up a one-out double after walking a batter, and a wild pitch on ball four scored the runner. Another single made it a two-run game, and all three Whitecaps hitters struck out in the bottom of the ninth.
Things are bad, bad, bad for this club right now.
Rainer: 1-3, 2B (3), R, RBI, BB, K
Santana: 1-1, 2B (2), R, RBI, 2 BB
Alba: 3.0 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, BB, 5 K
Coming Up Next: It’s a 2 p.m. ET start on Sunday; West Michigan is looking to avoid a second straight sweep.
Beau Brieske got another opener start and looked good against the four batters he faced. There was plenty of contact but no hits. He lost an eight-pitch at-bat with Edward Lantigua, which ended in a walk. Everything else was hit in the air or to an infielder.
Caleb Leys took over in the second and retired six batters in a row after giving up a leadoff single. He wasn’t as lucky in the fourth, when a leadoff double came back to bite him. Chase Meggers broke the scoreless tie with a two-out RBI single.
Leys saw another run cross in the fifth, but it was unearned thanks to a throwing error from Jack Goodman at short. Still, back-to-back base hits made it feel like an earned run.
Luke Hoskins took over for the sixth. He worked around a baserunner in each inning he threw, lasting through the seventh. Anibal Salas helped cut into the lead with a leadoff triple in the bottom of the sixth. Jordan Yost drove him in with a sac fly to make it 2-1.
Anibal Salas kicks off the bottom of the 6th with a triple into the right corner. pic.twitter.com/W2UBckWSiK
Lakeland had a chance to tie it in the seventh, with Edian Espinal on third base, but Salas grounded into a double play. Espinal got his chance in the eighth with the bases loaded, but a balk brought the run in. Espinal ended up striking out on a foul tip to leave the score tied at two.
Yendy Gomez took the loss. He gave up a leadoff single in the ninth and saw the run score on a double right after. Lakeland went down 1-2-3 in the bottom of the ninth.
Yost: 1-3, RBI
Brieske: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, BB, 0 K
Leys: 4.0 IP, 5 H, 2 R, ER, 0 BB, 6 K
Coming Up Next: It’s a noon ET start on Sunday; Lakeland leads the series, 3-2.
The NBA’s worst team this season was rewarded with some lottery luck on Sunday, winning the top pick in a loaded draft.
The Utah Jazz, Memphis Grizzlies and Chicago Bulls filled out the top-four picks, in that order. Now, it’s time to start scouring mock drafts and studying some of the top players in this potentially historic class.
Here are some winners and losers from the lottery:
Winner: Wizards
Starting with the obvious, winning the lottery is monumental for the Wizards.
The team has won fewer than 20 games in three straight seasons, but lottery luck hasn’t given them the first overall pick since 2010. John Wall, who was their representative at Sunday’s drawing, was the pick that year. Washington, in 2025, fell from second to sixth, where it selected Tre Johnson.
There isn’t an obvious No. 1 player in this class, but that’s only due to the glut of talent at the top. BYU forward AJ Dybantsa projects as a potential pick, but you could make the argument for Kansas guard Darryn Peterson, Duke forward Cameron Boozer or North Carolina forward Caleb Wilson. For a roster that just added Trae Young and Anthony Davis in mid-season trades, perhaps a wing talent like Dybantsa is the pick.
Loser: Nets
Lottery luck hasn’t been on Brooklyn’s side recently.
Last year, the Nets dropped from sixth to eighth. This year, they fell from third to sixth. These results come after years of surrendering their own first-round picks to teams like the Celtics and Rockets — where they picked players like Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Reed Sheppard.
The Nets can still add talent at No. 6, but they will miss out on the top-four talent that seems to be on another tier. Arkansas guard Darius Acuff, Houston guard Kingston Flemings, Illinois guard Keaton Wagler and Arizona guard Brayden Burries could be options for Brooklyn.
Winner: Trades shake up the order
Four trades were revisited during this lottery, with the results impacting the Pacers, Clippers, Pelicans, Hawks, Bucks and Thunder.
The Pacers-Clippers trade this season involving Ivica Zubac meant that Indiana kept its pick if it was top-four, or else it went to LA. Well, it was fifth — so the Clippers now have a premium pick after losing in the Play-In Tournament. The reigning Eastern Conference champions, meanwhile, have nothing to show for their 19-win campaign — although they will get Tyrese Haliburton back from injury next season.
The Pelicans gave up their unprotected first-rounder to the Hawks last year during the draft, but the Hawks could also swap picks with the Bucks if Milwaukee’s pick jumped over New Orleans’. Neither pick moved into the top four, so the Hawks will take the Pelicans’ No. 8 pick and the Bucks will keep their No. 10 pick.
The Thunder, who are rolling through the playoffs and seem poised to win consecutive titles, own the Clippers’ unprotected first from the trade that also gave them reigning (and potentially repeat) MVP winner Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. For the rest of the NBA, it was a sigh of relief that their pick stayed put at No. 12.
Winner AND loser: Tanking
It was tough to watch for most of the season, but fans of many bad teams were rewarded Sunday. Others, not so much.
The Wizards had the worst record in the NBA, blatantly resting Young and Davis and letting their young talent play extended minutes. The Jazz and Grizzlies had a similar strategy, with Lauri Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Ja Morant missing time and both teams opting for development over victories in 2025-26.
Other teams that tanked weren’t as lucky. The aforementioned Pacers and Nets fell just outside of the top-four despite their year-long losing effort. The Kings dropped from fifth to seventh despite going 22-60, which was their worst record since 2008-09.
The good and the bad of tanking were on full display Sunday, and it’s unclear how these results will impact the NBA’s potential plans to revamp the lottery odds moving forward.
The NBA’s worst team this season was rewarded with some lottery luck on Sunday, winning the top pick in a loaded draft.
The Utah Jazz, Memphis Grizzlies and Chicago Bulls filled out the top-four picks, in that order. Now, it’s time to start scouring mock drafts and studying some of the top players in this potentially historic class.
Here are some winners and losers from the lottery:
Winner: Wizards
Starting with the obvious, winning the lottery is monumental for the Wizards.
The team has won fewer than 20 games in three straight seasons, but lottery luck hasn’t given them the first overall pick since 2010. John Wall, who was their representative at Sunday’s drawing, was the pick that year. Washington, in 2025, fell from second to sixth, where it selected Tre Johnson.
There isn’t an obvious No. 1 player in this class, but that’s only due to the glut of talent at the top. BYU forward AJ Dybantsa projects as a potential pick, but you could make the argument for Kansas guard Darryn Peterson, Duke forward Cameron Boozer or North Carolina forward Caleb Wilson. For a roster that just added Trae Young and Anthony Davis in mid-season trades, perhaps a wing talent like Dybantsa is the pick.
Loser: Nets
Lottery luck hasn’t been on Brooklyn’s side recently.
Last year, the Nets dropped from sixth to eighth. This year, they fell from third to sixth. These results come after years of surrendering their own first-round picks to teams like the Celtics and Rockets — where they picked players like Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Reed Sheppard.
The Nets can still add talent at No. 6, but they will miss out on the top-four talent that seems to be on another tier. Arkansas guard Darius Acuff, Houston guard Kingston Flemings, Illinois guard Keaton Wagler and Arizona guard Brayden Burries could be options for Brooklyn.
Winner: Trades shake up the order
Four trades were revisited during this lottery, with the results impacting the Pacers, Clippers, Pelicans, Hawks, Bucks and Thunder.
The Pacers-Clippers trade this season involving Ivica Zubac meant that Indiana kept its pick if it was top-four, or else it went to LA. Well, it was fifth — so the Clippers now have a premium pick after losing in the Play-In Tournament. The reigning Eastern Conference champions, meanwhile, have nothing to show for their 19-win campaign — although they will get Tyrese Haliburton back from injury next season.
The Pelicans gave up their unprotected first-rounder to the Hawks last year during the draft, but the Hawks could also swap picks with the Bucks if Milwaukee’s pick jumped over New Orleans’. Neither pick moved into the top four, so the Hawks will take the Pelicans’ No. 8 pick and the Bucks will keep their No. 10 pick.
The Thunder, who are rolling through the playoffs and seem poised to win consecutive titles, own the Clippers’ unprotected first from the trade that also gave them reigning (and potentially repeat) MVP winner Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. For the rest of the NBA, it was a sigh of relief that their pick stayed put at No. 12.
Winner AND loser: Tanking
It was tough to watch for most of the season, but fans of many bad teams were rewarded Sunday. Others, not so much.
The Wizards had the worst record in the NBA, blatantly resting Young and Davis and letting their young talent play extended minutes. The Jazz and Grizzlies had a similar strategy, with Lauri Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Ja Morant missing time and both teams opting for development over victories in 2025-26.
Other teams that tanked weren’t as lucky. The aforementioned Pacers and Nets fell just outside of the top-four despite their year-long losing effort. The Kings dropped from fifth to seventh despite going 22-60, which was their worst record since 2008-09.
The good and the bad of tanking were on full display Sunday, and it’s unclear how these results will impact the NBA’s potential plans to revamp the lottery odds moving forward.
May 9, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians pitcher Tanner Bibee (28) reacts after a pickoff at first base in the fifth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images | David Richard-Imagn Images
That was a really tough loss for the Guardians. They had so many opportunities to win that game and they just could not do it. I look back at the bottom of the 10th, Chase DeLauter had a lineout with an expected batting average of .520. Then Daniel Schneeman lined out with an expected batting average of .670, then with two outs Travis Bazzana lined out to the left fielder with an expected batting average of .380. They had plenty of other opportunities to win this game, but this one hurts the most considering all three of them put good swings on the ball and it hit hard with the winning run in scoring position. Sometimes the baseball gods just don’t want you to win the game.
There were some positive takeaways in this game. First and foremost being that Tanner Bibee easily had his best start of the season. That was great stuff from him, if he can continue to pitch anything close to that level for the rest of the season, The Guardians will be in good shape. Hunter Gaddis also had a clean inning of relief which is huge for this bullpen.
The offense in general got super unlucky in this game, we hit the ball hard plenty of times against Joe Ryan and got no results to show for it. I still feel good about this offense and this team overall. Game 3 against the Twins will be Sunday at 1:40 pm ET. It will be Gavin Williams vs Andrew Morris.
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 12: The Brooklyn Nets receive the 8th Pick during 2025 NBA Draft Lottery on May 12, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois at McCormick Convention Center. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
It’s the biggest day of the year for the Brooklyn Nets and it all comes down to luck — a 52.1% chance at a top-4 pick and a 14% chance at the No. 1 overall pick. If you’ve followed the organization long enough, luck is not something Nets fans are accustomed to. They really need that to change on Sunday.
Vince Carter is on the dais, Mr. Whammy will be hexing other teams from the crowd, and Joe Tsai will be in the drawing room. Wednesday will mark 50 years exact since the Nets won the ABA championship and later sold off its franchise player.
Proceed with expectations as you shall!
🏓 KEY INFO
TIME: 3:00 PM ET
WATCH: ABC/ESPN
Washington Wizards: 14% No. 1 (52.1% top 4)
Indiana Pacers: 14% No. 1 (52.1% top 4)
Brooklyn Nets: 14% No. 1 (52.1% top 4)
Utah Jazz: 11.5% No. 1 (45.2% top 4)
Sacramento Kings: 11.5% No. 1 (45.2% top 4)
Memphis Grizzlies: 9.0% No. 1 (37.2% top 4)
📺 From the Vault
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Noah Cameron has a 6.32 expected ERA for a reason. The biggest reason is he’s survived pretty much exclusively on his fastball, with several underlying metrics screaming he’s overperforming even his already bad ERA. Given these factors, the Detroit Tigers should punish him.
This presents a strong opportunity for Detroit. Riley Greene (.385 xwOBA), Dillon Dingler (.396 xwOBA), and Kevin McGonigle (.390 xwOBA) are all capable of doing real damage against this profile. I’d play this to -110.
I projected this total at 9.4, would play it to 9.0, and I’m making this my fourthtwo-unit play of the year.
Hanifee is likely an opener for a presumed bullpen game, but he’s already shown this season he can go multiple innings. Either way, he’ll eventually turn things into a bullpen that isn’t the most rested.
Circling back to Cameron, his pitching run value ranks in the 5th percentile, and his breaking ball sits in the 2nd. That makes him too overly dependent on a fastball-cutter combination against a Tigers lineup that knows how to manufacture runs.
Chris Hatfield's 2026 Transparency Record
ML/RL bets: 14-14, +0.01 units
Over/Under bets: 18-11, +8.72 units
Tigers vs Royals odds
Moneyline: Tigers +109 | Royals -121
Run line: Tigers +1.5 (-155) | Royals -1.5 (+140)
Over/Under: Over 8.5 (-115) | Under 8.5 (+105)
Tigers vs Royals trend
The Detroit Tigers have hit the team total Over in 13 of their last 20 games (+5.50 Units / 23% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Tigers vs. Royals.
How to watch Tigers vs Royals and game info
Location
Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, MO
Date
Sunday, May 10, 2026
First pitch
7:20 p.m. ET
TV
Peacock
Tigers starting pitcher
Brenan Hanifee (0-0, 0.00 ERA)
Royals starting pitcher
Noah Cameron (2-2, 5.40 ERA)
Tigers vs Royals latest injuries
Tigers vs Royals weather
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
The red-hot Kansas City Royals go for the sweep of the Detroit Tigers on Sunday Night Baseball on Peacock at 7:20 p.m. ET.
What’s in store for star hitters Bobby Witt Jr. and Vinnie Pasquantino, and starting pitcher Noah Cameron?
Let’s break down my favorite Tigers vs. Royals props and free MLB picks for Sunday, May 10.
For the full game breakdown, check out our Tigers vs. Royals predictions.
Tigers vs Royals props for May 10
Pick
Odds
Bobby Witt Jr. to record an RBI
+155
Noah Cameron Over 15.5 outs recorded
-108
Vinnie Pasquantino Over 1.5 H/R/R
-135
Tigers vs Royals player prop picks
Bobby Witt Jr. to record an RBI (+155)
Bobby Witt Jr. is a man possessed when he plays at Kauffman Stadium, posting a career 145 wRC+ while slashing .313/.365/.550.
He rarely strikes out, owns a 15.2% K-rate, and brings plenty of power with a .236 ISO. That makes him an appealing target in the player prop market, especially with a large enough home sample size to fully buy into the production boost.
This season, 13 of Witt’s 19 RBIs have come at home. Detroit is also turning to another bullpen game with its rotation wrecked by injuries, making this a very manageable matchup for Witt to drive in a run.
Noah Cameron Over 15.5 outs recorded (-108)
The Tigers are slumping, dropping five straight games while scoring only four total runs through the first two matchups of this series.
Detroit has also struggled badly away from home with a 6-16 road record, and the lineup is dealing with injuries to Kerry Carpenter, Gleyber Torres, Javier Baez, and Parker Meadows.
That sets up well for Kansas City starter Noah Cameron, especially against a Tigers lineup that owns just a 92 wRC+ against left-handed pitching. Cameron has cleared this outs recorded number in 20 of his 30 career starts and has been effective at Kauffman Stadium with a 3.31 ERA, giving him a strong path to work deep enough to cash this prop.
Vinnie Pasquantino Over 1.5 Hits + Runs + RBIs (-135)
Vinnie Pasquantino is heating up after a very slow start to the season, making this a good time to target his bat while the production is climbing.
After finishing April with a .165 average, Pasquantino is batting .263 in May and averaging 2.1 Hits, Runs, and RBIs this month.
The underlying metrics back up the improvement, with his hard-hit rate climbing 10 percentage points to 41.4%. Hitting in a premium lineup spot, usually third, Pasquantino is well-positioned to take advantage of Detroit’s pitching chaos approach.
How to watch Tigers vs Royals and game info
Location
Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, MO
Date
Sunday, May 10, 2026
First pitch
7:20 p.m. ET
TV
Peacock
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
This season marks the first time the Sabres have advanced past the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs since they advanced to the 2007 Eastern Conference Final. The Sabres have earned three playoff series victories over the Canadiens in franchise history.
Buffalo last faced Montreal in the playoffs in the 1998 Eastern Conference Semifinals, a series in which the Sabres won four games to none. The Sabres also defeated the Canadiens three games to none in the 1983 Adams Division Semifinals and four games to two in the 1975 Semifinals. Buffalo has allowed just 12 total goals in the team’s last six games. Prior to this season, the Sabres last allowed 12 or fewer goals in a six-game span in the playoffs from April 20 to May 4, 2007 (12). The Sabres have allowed only one power-play goal over their last six games, the fewest by a Buffalo team in any six-game span in the playoffs all-time.
In his last five games, Zach Benson has posted six points (3+3), including at least one point in three straight contests. Benson’s five points (2+3) in his last three games are the most by an NHL skater age 20 or younger in any three-game span in the playoffs since Wyatt Johnston from April 27 to May 1, 2024 (3+2). A point in tonight’s game would make him the first NHL skater age 20 or younger since Cole Caufield from June 6 to 18, 2021 (five games; 2+3) to register a point streak of four or more games in the playoffs. Benson would be the first Sabres skater to do so since Pierre Turgeon from April 5 to 9, 1989 (four games; 3+5).
Alex Lyon has allowed 11 total goals in seven appearances in the playoffs, tied for the fewest goals allowed in any seven-game span in the playoffs by a Sabres goaltender all-time (Dominik Hasek; April 23 to May 14, 1999). It is the first time any NHL goaltender has allowed 11 or fewer goals in their first seven playoff games (within a single playoff year) with a team since Jacob Markstrom from May 3 to 15, 2022 with Calgary (11). Lyon has posted a .934 save percentage in his first seven appearances in the playoffs, the best mark by a Sabres goaltender in any seven-game span in the playoffs since Ryan Miller from April 18, 2007 to May 4, 2007 (.937). It is the second-best save percentage by a Sabres goaltender in their first seven playoff appearances with Buffalo (within a single playoff year) all-time (Steve Shields; April 21 to May 5, 1997; .935).
Peyton Krebs has registered six points (2+4) in the playoffs thus far and his plus-6 rating through the team’s first eight playoff games ranks first among all Sabres skaters. Krebs’ plus/minus is the best by a Sabres skater in their first eight playoff games with Buffalo since Toni Lydman from April 22 to May 8, 2006 (plus-9). It is tied with Matthew Barnaby (May 9, 1993 to May 3, 1997; plus-6) for the best mark by a Sabres forward all-time in their first eight playoff games with Buffalo.
In his last five games, Josh Doan has registered six points (2+4), including at least one assist in each of his last three contests. An assist tonight would make Doan the first Sabres forward since Tim Connolly from April 27 to May 4, 2007 (four games; 0+4) to register an assist streak of four or more games in the playoffs.
Bowen Byram has recorded four goals in the playoffs and is one goal away from recording the most goals by a Sabres defenseman in a single playoff year all-time.
Conor Timmins tallied the first point of his playoff career with an assist in Game 2 against the Canadiens. Timmins would become the third Sabres defenseman to record an assist in at least two consecutive games this postseason with an assist tonight (Byram, Owen Power).
MIAMI, FLORIDA - MAY 8: Jacob Young #30 of the Washington Nationals celebrates with teammate CJ Abrams #5 after batting Abrams in on a home run during the first inning against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot park on May 8, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Leonardo Fernandez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Yesterday was a missed opportunity for the Nats, but they still have a chance to get the series win this afternoon. They have an early game today that is nationally televised. It will be a good chance for the boys to show what they have. Hopefully they can secure yet another road series win.
The lineup will look a little different today. After a couple shaky games at shortstop, CJ Abrams will DH today. Nasim Nunez will move over to short and Jorbit Vivas will play second. Outside of that, the lineup will be the same as yesterday. They have scored early against the Marlins this series, but have taken their foot off the gas. Cade Cavalli will get the ball looking to bounce back from a rough outing.
The Marlins have a couple new faces in the lineup. Javier Sanoja will get his first start of the series and Christopher Morel will be in the DH spot after not playing last night. Liam Hicks will actually be sliding over to first base today and is hitting second. Former Cy Young winner Sandy Alcantara will get the ball, and he looks better than he did last year as he is further removed from his Tommy John Surgery.
After coming up short yesterday, the Nats need to get back on the horse and bounce back. They face a tough pitcher, but this lineup has proven they can handle that. Follow along in the comments down below and let’s go Nats!
The Pittsburgh Pirates look to notch their seventh win in nine games when they face the San Francisco Giants this afternoon
Our MLB odds have the Giants favored to win despite the hosts having lost nine of their last 11 games.
My Pirates vs. Giants predictions and MLB picks explain why the Patrick Bailey trade makes the home pitching staff even more vulnerable to a rough outing.
Who will win Pirates vs Giants today: Pirates (+102)
The Pittsburgh Pirates 20-hit outburst on Saturday wasn’t a fluke. The Pirates rank fourth in xwOBA over the past two weeks with a .339 mark while sitting third in MLB in wRC+ over that span.
It also came immediately after the San Francisco Giants traded Patrick Bailey, arguably the best pitch framer in baseball. The Giants' pitching staff looked noticeably more vulnerable without him behind the plate.
That’s bad news for Tyler Mahle, who enters with a 4.50 BB/9 ratio and now loses an elite catcher who consistently stole strikes for his pitchers.
The Pirates have also dramatically improved their plate discipline lately, carrying just a 5% strikeout rate over the past two weeks — a major boost against a pitcher prone to issuing walks.
COVERS INTEL: Eric Haase, San Francisco’s projected catcher for Sunday, owns a 63% called strike rate on pitches 1-2 inches inside the zone — 25% lower than the league average.
Pirates vs Giants Over/Under pick: Over 8.5 (-115)
Saturday’s matchup produced 16 runs, and another high-scoring game is very much in play Sunday afternoon.
The Pirates are slugging .416 over the past two weeks while posting a 37% hard-hit rate that ranks second in baseball during that stretch.
Bubba Chandler has also been far less effective on the road, allowing opponents to slug .448 with four home runs surrendered in just 18 2/3 innings away from Pittsburgh.
Mahle’s control issues should continue giving the Pirates free baserunners, and the weather conditions only help the Over case further, with winds expected to blow out to left field at more than 10 mph.
Jason Ence's 2026 Transparency Record
ML/RL bets: 4-7, -3.67 units
Over/Under bets: 8-3, 4.91 units
Pirates vs Giants odds
Moneyline: Pirates +104 | Giants -108
Run line: Pirates -1.5 (+178) | Giants +1.5 (-186)
Over/Under: Over 8.5 (+113) | Under 8.5 (-117)
Pirates vs Giants trend
The Pittsburgh Pirates have hit the Moneyline in 11 of their last 18 away games (+5.20 Units / 27% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Pirates vs. Giants.
How to watch Pirates vs Giants and game info
Location
Oracle Park, San Francisco, CA
Date
Sunday, May 10, 2026
First pitch
4:05 p.m. ET
TV
SNP, NBCSBA
Pirates starting pitcher
Bubba Chandler (1-4, 4.76 ERA)
Giants starting pitcher
Tyler Mahle (1-4, 5.00 ERA)
Pirates vs Giants latest injuries
Pirates vs Giants weather
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
Despite the return of Sixers center Joel Embiid, who finished with 18 points and 6 rebounds after missing Game 2, the Knicks took control in the second quarter and never looked back.
Jalen Brunson led the way with 33 points and 9 assists, making history for the most 30-point playoff games in franchise history (passing Carmelo Anthony’s record), while Mikal Bridges chipped in 23 points to help New York secure a 3–0 series lead.
Knicks vs. 76ers: what to know
What: NBA Playoffs Second Round, Game 4
When: May 10, 3:30 p.m. ET
Where: Xfinity Mobile Arena (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
Channel: ABC
Streaming: DIRECTV (try it free)
The Knicks were without starter OG Anunoby in Game 3 due to a hamstring injury; he’s currently listed as questionable and will likely be a game-time-decision today.
If the Knicks win tonight’s matchup with the 76ers, they’ll advance to the ECF, where they’ll face either Detroit or Cleveland. A 76ers win would lead to Game 5 on Tuesday.
Knicks vs. 76ers start time:
The Knicks vs. 76ers game today, May 10, is scheduled to tip off at 3:30 p.m. ET.
What channel is the Knicks game on today (May 10)?
The Knicks-76ers game will air on ABC.
How to watch Knicks vs. 76ers for free:
If you don’t have cable, you’ll need a live TV streaming service to stream the Knicks game for free.
DIRECTV is our top pick for watching basketball live for free — its five-day free trial includes ABC (plus most channels you’ll need for the WNBA season). When the trial is over, you’ll pay as low as $44.99/month and gain access to over 90 live channels.
TRY DIRECTV FOR FREE
You can also tune in to today’s game with fubo’s Pro or Sports and News plans. Live TV plans from fubo start at $44.99 and also include a five-day free trial.
This article was written by Angela Tricarico, Commerce Streaming Reporter for Post Wanted Shopping, Page Six, and Decider.com. Angela keeps readers up to date with cord-cutter-friendly deals, and information on how to watch your favorite sports teams, TV shows, and movies on every streaming service. Not only does Angela test and compare the streaming services she writes about to ensure readers are getting the best prices, but she’s also a superfan specializing in the intersection of shopping, tech, sports, and pop culture. When she’s not writing about (or watching) TV, movies, and sports, she’s also keeping up on the underrated perfume dupes at Bath & Body Works and testing headphones. Prior to joining Decider and The New York Post in 2023, she wrote about streaming and consumer tech at Insider Reviews.
NEW YORK - CIRCA 1926: New York Yankees General Manager Ed Barrow circa 1926.. (Photo by WM. C. Greene/Sporting News via Getty Images via Getty Images) | Sporting News via Getty Images
Most days during our Yankees Birthday series have been highlight a player who was born on that particular day. While the players are the ones we watch on a day in and day out basis, it takes more than them to make a baseball team go, and today we’ll look back on someone who had a major impact in franchise history off the field.
You can make an argument that Ed Barrow is one of the single most important people in franchise history. While in the front office, he played a key role in the Yankees finally getting over the World Series hump, and then them winning a bunch more, as they became the preeminent MLB franchise.
Edward Grant “Ed” Barrow Born: May 10, 1868 (Springfield, IL) Died: December 15, 1953 (Port Chester, NY) Yankees Executive Tenure: 1920-45
Barrow was born in Springfield, IL in 1968, but his birth came as his family was moving to Nebraska in search of farmland. His family settled there for a couple years, but the Barrows would later move to Iowa, where Ed spent much of his youth.
As a teenager, Barrow began working as a mailing clerk for a Des Moines, IA newspaper, eventually working his way up to a reporter job with the Des Moines Leader. He used his higher position to create a local baseball team, which featured future Hall of Famer Fred Clarke among others.
Barrow later moved to Pittsburgh and worked in some other industries before returning to baseball. He bought pieces of several minor league teams, including the Patterson (NJ) Silk Weavers, eventually also managing the team. He ended up signing a young Honus Wagner from the team, giving the future Hall of Famer his start in pro baseball. After holding a number of positions around baseball, he bought a share of the Toronto Maple Leafs (the baseball version) of the Eastern League, also eventually becoming their manager. He managed to help turn them around from a struggling franchise to the EL pennant winners in 1902. That quick turnaround led to the Detroit Tigers hiring him as manager for 1903.
In Detroit, Barrow helped improve the Tigers’ spot in the standings in his first season. However that offseason, new owners bought the team and Barrow soon found himself at odds with some of the new brass and resigned partway through 1904. He returned to the minor leagues for a while after that, eventually getting the position of president of the Eastern League. Under him, the league was redubbed the “International League,” which it still exists as today in Triple-A. Later in his run, he tried to build up a third major league with some IL franchises, leading him to clash with some of the league’s owners and them eventually ousting Barrow.
By this point, Barrow’s reputation in baseball had grown enough that he was then quickly hired to manage the Boston Red Sox. Boston had finished in second in the AL the previous season, but with some savvy additions, Barrow took them to the AL pennant in 1918. However, the savviest move was putting to use the hitting ability of the young Red Sox pitcher Babe Ruth. In addition to hitting a league-leading 11 homers, Ruth then won two games on the mound in the World Series as the Red Sox won the title. As we Yankee fans once liked to point out, it would be Boston’s last for a while.
The Red Sox fell under .500 the following two seasons, and against Barrow’s wishes, Ruth was famously sold to the Yankees after 1919. His frustrations eventually boiled over, and the Yankees’ owners gave him an opportunity to become the team’s business manager. He took that opportunity, resigned from Boston, and jumped to New York. With the Yankees, Barrow’s position morphed into something resembling the general manager job of today. He was generally in charge of contract negotiation and player acquisition, while acting as an intermediary between ownership and on-field manager Miller Huggins.
While Ruth’s move to the Yankees did predate Barrow, almost every other move in the 1920s through the next couple decades, many of which led to championships, can be traced back to Barrow in some way. He hired scout Paul Krichell, who quickly discovered Lou Gehrig, and then also scouted and signed the likes of Tony Lazzeri, Phil Rizzuto, and Whitey Ford. Barrow stuck by Huggins despite internal and external pressure, who eventually led the Yankees to their first couple titles, and then later hired Joe McCarthy. He played a role in helping the Yankees secure their move to Yankee Stadium. He signed a young Joe DiMaggio out of the Pacific Coast League. His protégé, George Weiss, later became Yankees GM and led the team to a host of even more World Series titles. During Barrow’s tenure from 1920-45, the Yankees won 10 World Series titles, never mind the ones that came after that he deserves an assist for.
In 1945, the estate of Jacob Rupert, who had hired Barrow, sold the Yankees to Larry MacPhail, Dan Topping, and Del Webb. The new owners moved Barrow to a ceremonial position and advisor, and Barrow eventually retired from baseball in 1946. MacPhail briefly held the GM position for a couple years before Weiss took over and continued on with the franchise’s dominance.
After leaving the Yankees, Barrow was offered the position of commissioner, but declined, citing his age. He remained in the New York area until he passed away in 1953. Shortly after his passing, he was voted into the Hall of Fame and given a Monument Park plaque by the Yankees. Beyond what his teams did on the field, Barrow was the innovator of putting numbers on players’ uniforms, as well as retiring them, as he did initially with Lou Gehrig’s No. 4. He was the first to let fans keep foul balls. There’s so much about the Yankees and baseball that you can trace back to Ed Barrow in some form.
See more of the “Yankees Birthday of the Day” series here.
COVERS INTEL:
Bobby Witt Jr. to record an RBI
